Transform everyday sandwich bread into buttery, garlicky perfection with this easy garlic bread recipe. Growing up, my mom’s version was a cherished family favorite – proof that the simplest ingredients often create the most comforting flavors. Using basic sandwich bread instead of fancy bakery loaves, this recipe delivers that classic garlic bread taste we all crave, perfect for pairing with your favorite homemade bread dishes or enjoying on its own.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Garlic Bread
- Uses simple sandwich bread you already have
- Ready in just 10 minutes
- Perfect buttery-garlic flavor in every bite
- No fancy ingredients needed
- Crispy edges, soft center – just like classic garlic bread
- Customizable with your favorite herbs and seasonings
- Great make-ahead option for busy weeknights
Let me tell you – this isn’t just any ordinary toast! The magic happens when that perfectly softened butter meets garlic powder and fresh parsley, creating a spread that transforms basic sandwich bread into something truly special. I love how the edges get perfectly crispy under the broiler while the center stays soft and buttery. It’s the kind of recipe that proves you don’t need expensive ingredients to make something absolutely delicious!
My favorite part? You can prep the garlic butter mixture ahead of time, keeping it ready in the fridge for whenever the craving strikes. And trust me, with the aroma of garlic and butter wafting through your kitchen, those cravings will strike often! Whether you’re serving it alongside your favorite pasta dish or just want to elevate your afternoon snack, this garlic bread recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen.
The Essential Ingredients for Perfect Garlic Bread
Let me walk you through exactly what you’ll need to make this incredibly simple yet absolutely delicious garlic bread. Each ingredient plays a special role in creating that perfect balance of flavors we’re looking for!
- Sandwich Bread – Any basic sliced bread works beautifully here! I prefer whole wheat for its nutty undertones, but white bread creates that classic nostalgic taste. The key is choosing bread that’s fresh and not too thin – you want it sturdy enough to hold up to our garlic butter goodness.
- Butter – This is our star player! Use unsalted butter, softened at room temperature. The fat content in butter creates that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. For an extra special touch, try making it with my homemade garlic butter.
- Fresh Parsley – Fresh herbs make such a difference! Parsley adds bright, fresh notes that balance the rich butter and punchy garlic. If you’re in a pinch, dried parsley works too – just use 1 teaspoon dried for every tablespoon of fresh.
- Garlic Powder – While fresh garlic is amazing in many recipes, garlic powder actually works better here! It distributes more evenly and won’t burn under the broiler like fresh garlic can.
Success Tips For Perfect Results
Making garlic bread with regular bread might seem super simple (and it is!), but these little tricks will take your results from good to great:
- Temperature Matters – If your butter is too cold, it’ll tear the bread. Too warm, and it’ll make the bread soggy. The sweet spot is when it’s softened but still slightly cool to touch.
- Even Distribution – Spread the garlic butter mixture right to the edges. Those crispy corners are the best part! Just like when making spicy sauce for dipping, even coverage ensures consistent flavor in every bite.
- Watch Like a Hawk – The difference between perfectly golden and burnt is literally seconds under the broiler. Stay right there and keep watching – trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way!
- Rest Time – Let the bread rest for 1-2 minutes after broiling. This allows the butter to settle back into the bread, making it easier to slice without squishing.
This method really does make the most amazing garlic bread – crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and packed with buttery garlic flavor. It’s proof that sometimes the simplest recipes truly are the best!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let me walk you through making this simple yet scrumptious garlic bread. I’ve made this countless times and perfected the method to get that perfect golden-brown crunch!
- Prep Your Oven: Position a rack about 4 inches from the top heating element and preheat your broiler. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix ½ cup softened butter, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley until well combined. Just like my homemade cheese bread, the key is having your butter perfectly softened.
- Spread the Love: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture on both sides of each bread slice. Don’t skimp – make sure to reach those edges!
- Broil to Perfection: Place the bread slices on your prepared baking sheet. Broil for 1-2 minutes until golden brown, then flip and broil another 1-2 minutes on the other side. Watch carefully – it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds!
- Serve: Cut diagonally and serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Recipe Variations & Serving Ideas
This garlic bread is wonderfully versatile! For a cheesy twist similar to my garlic cheese bombs, sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top during the last minute of broiling.
Creative Variations:
- Italian Style: Add dried Italian herbs like oregano and basil to your butter mixture
- Spicy Kick: Mix in red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat
- Extra Garlicky: Use fresh minced garlic instead of powder (about 4 cloves)
- Sweet & Savory: Drizzle honey over the finished bread
Perfect Pairings:
- Serve alongside pasta dishes or your favorite marinara for dipping
- Perfect with mini cannoli cups for an Italian-inspired spread
- Makes a great base for bruschetta
- Wonderful with soups and stews
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the garlic butter mixture up to 3 days in advance. Just bring it to room temperature before spreading.
FAQs & Final Thoughts
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can substitute 4-5 finely minced fresh garlic cloves for the garlic powder. Just mix it well into your softened butter. Fresh garlic gives an even more intense flavor that reminds me of my favorite garlic bagels.
Keep a close eye on your bread – it can go from golden to burnt in seconds! Position your rack about 4 inches from the broiler and watch carefully. If it’s browning too quickly, move the rack down a level.
Absolutely! Mix up your garlic butter and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just let it soften at room temperature before spreading.
Any sandwich bread works beautifully! I love using whole wheat for extra nutrition, but white bread, sourdough, or even rye all make fantastic garlic bread. Just make sure your slices aren’t too thin.
Final Thoughts
You know what I love most about this garlic bread recipe? It takes me right back to those cozy family dinners in my mom’s kitchen. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something truly special. Whether you’re serving it alongside your Sunday pasta or just craving a savory snack, this garlic bread never disappoints.
I’d love to hear how your garlic bread turns out! Drop a comment below to share your experience or any creative twists you’ve added to make it your own. Happy baking, friends! 🧄🍞
How to make garlic bread (with regular bread)
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoon softened butter
- 1/2 cup parsley
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 8 slices sliced bread use a regular loaf whole wheat bread
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees on broil. Make sure the rack is 4 inches from the top.
- Mix the softened butter, chopped parsley and garlic powder together. (You can soften the butter by putting it in the microwave for 15 seconds.)
- Spread the mixture on both sides of each piece of sliced spread.
- Put it on a cookie sheet. Broil on top rack in oven; each side for 3 minutes or until toasted.
- Slice and serve (or serve whole).
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